Mysteries, Mexico and Monday??

Along with the book of John we are studying together as a group, I have been reading through the new testament for a few months. There are so many amazing mysteries there, but what is more amazing to me is the fact that the God of the universe wants to spend time with me every day! I know I wouldn't want to spend time with me if I were Him, but then thankfully I am not. I could really mess things up even worse than they already are! I have noticed a pattern in my life early every morning since I have been reading like this. Anywhere from 10 minutes to 30 minutes before my alarm goes off, I wake up. Boing! Eyes wide open and no more sleep for me. I finally figured out He was telling me He wants the first part of my day with Him. At first it was sometimes a little annoying; I just really wanted to sleep that 30 minutes more. But I realized what was going on and just started meeting with Him first thing. He has rewarded me with not only His presence close to me (as if that weren't enough) but daily, He reveals mysteries from His word that I would have completely missed if I weren't spending that time with Him.

I finished I Timothy 6 this morning and in it I saw how there is nourishment provided for us at every turn in the road. If the pressures of this life keep pressing in on us, as they do, He is there with what we need to keep one foot in front of the other as we walk. This chapter is talking about our attitude towards others, no matter who they are. And that is always what Jesus focused on; our heart. How do we react to those who have any kind of say-so in our lives? It doesn't matter what kind of people they are, it matters how we react to them! Bottom line! It always seems to come back to that. The mystery in that is that usually you and I aren't capable of a good attitude towards others all the time. So how can He expect us to maintain that good attitude? It goes back to that daily process of emptying ourselves, just as Jesus did, so that He can fill us up with Him! He wants to touch others, love others, through us. No matter who we think "others" are or how they should be treated. He's the judge and jury, and in the end has the final say so over those we would like to throw to the alligators right now. The Creator of the universe created each and every one of us, loves each and every one of us equally. It's an amazing thing to me.

And then there is Mexico. I haven't told some of you about Bennie's up-coming trip to Mexico. He is excited. It's getting closer. He has a real hard time rolling his "r's" but he will be with many other people who I'm sure will help him communicate his need to find the "los banos"! (restroom)! So we are packing an crossing off the list the many items for the trip. Thank you Rachel for the awesome hand made soaps with scripture coins in them. I am sure they will love them. It's 90 degrees there today, so compared to the 33 here this morning, there will be the climate shock as well as the culture shock. We won't be able to communicate while he is there which will be difficult. Thank you in advance to all our friends who are praying for us.

And as Monday approaches it will be a very busy week. I have classes to attend for "Training the Trainer" that I have to attend all week in Wilsonville. I'll be counting it a big blessing if I make it home every day with less than 12 hours put in for that day. So today spaghetti sauce goes in the crock-pot that will supply dinner for a couple of nights, and Bennie is cooking a chicken dinner for us (the girls will be here for dinner!!) I take Bennie to the airport by 5:30 am Friday, have a quick breakfast with him after he checks in, and then off to work, and he flies off to sunny, arid Hermisillo.

So if you don't hear from me for a few days, you'll understand why. I do hope YOUR week is a week full of mysteries, blessings and the knowledge that God is right there, waiting to love you, and help you love others!